Insert Mode
Vim Text Editor Quick Reference
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Published Jul 6 2025, updated Aug 17 2026
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LinuxText Editor
Insert mode is where you can free type and change the text content of the file. There are various ways to enter insert mode.
Enter insert mode
| Key | Description |
|---|---|
i | Insert before |
a | Insert after |
I | Insert at the start of the current line |
A | Insert at the end of the current line |
o | Insert new line after the current line |
O | Insert new line before the current line |
s | Delete the current character and insert |
Ctrl+S | Delete the current line and insert |
cc | Clear the current line and insert |
C | Clear the rest of the current line and insert |
gi | Goes to the last place that you were in insert mode and puts you back there in insert mode |
Exit insert mode
| Key | Description |
|---|---|
Esc | Exit insert mode and return to normal mode |